Sharjeel Memon Claims ‘Countdown Has Begun’ for Federal Government, Alleges Rigging in AJK Elections
Islamabad: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has alleged that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) faced widespread electoral rigging during the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, claiming that the “countdown” for the federal government has begun.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Memon alleged that the federal government, the Punjab government, and the Election Commission worked together to defeat PPP candidates in the AJK elections.
He said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had previously urged the federal government to prioritize the interests of the people of Kashmir over political gains, but alleged that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was instead given preferential treatment.
Memon claimed that the Election Commission acted in favor of the PML-N and alleged that the 2024 general election scenario had been repeated in the AJK polls. He said the PPP would pursue its complaints through the relevant legal and constitutional forums.
The Sindh minister also alleged irregularities in several constituencies, including delayed polling arrangements, attacks on PPP workers, and alleged failures by election authorities to respond to complaints. He claimed that a PPP worker, Mukhtar Younis, was killed during the election process and criticized the authorities’ handling of the incident.
Memon further alleged that polling in one constituency was postponed on the pretext of weather conditions despite clear weather, and accused the Election Commission of providing misleading information regarding the decision.
He also claimed that ballot papers had been distributed to certain PML-N candidates before polling and alleged that administrative machinery was used to influence the election process.
Referring to the federal government, Memon reiterated the PPP’s stance that it did not join what it describes as the “Form 47 government” after the 2024 general elections, adding that the party chose not to become part of the ruling coalition.
Concluding his remarks, Memon said he believed the federal government’s tenure was entering its final phase, while emphasizing that the PPP would continue to challenge the election results through constitutional and legal channels.
